The demand and supply chain planning process for manufacturers,
distributors, and retailers has evolved over the years. It has gone from
a disjointed, unconnected, slow, inaccurate, fairly manual set of
processes to an integrated, timely process enabled by the use and
coordination of highly trained people, lean, agile processes, and
cutting-edge technology.
To make this set of processes work effectively, one has to fully
understand and appreciate that there is an "art and science" aspect to
the process which can take years of education and experience to fully
understand.
Essentially, this book will offer the reader a chance to fully
understand the interconnected set of processes in a "best-practice"
application. Furthermore, examples and cases will be used to illustrate
its practical application in today's complex global supply chain.
In addition, readers will understand and be able to apply and articulate
the concepts, tools, and techniques used in the efficient supply of
goods and services in today's changing global economy. It will help them
to learn how businesses, through their supply chain, work both
internally and with their trading partners - both upstream and
downstream - to build strong relationships and integrate demand and
supply planning activities across the supply chain to deliver customer
value efficiently and effectively. They will learn about the tools and
technologies enabling integration, and the critical drivers and key
metrics of supply chain performance.
